Swiftech MCX6400-V Heatsink

Introduction

With the temperatures of modern day processors at an all time high, third party heatsink manufacturers are always looking for and finding new ways to suck that heat off of the CPU.  Swiftech is one of those manufacturers that has always been at the head of the pack.  With their new MCX6400-V heatsink for Athlon64 processors, Swiftech is sure to keep their lead on the competition.  In this review, we will take a look at the interesting features of the MCX6400-V and show you what sort of temperatures you can expect to see from your Athlon64.

Thanks to CrazyPC for making this review possible.

Features and Specs

• CNC machined, C110 copper base, flatness better than 0.0003", micro surface finish 8 or better.
• 405 Helicoid Pins made of High Thermal Conductivity Aluminum Alloy, press fitted in the base.
• Weight: 26.4 oz (750 g)

Check out more detailed features and specs on CrazyPC's site.

First Look

Package Contents

• Heatsink
• Mounting Hardware
• Thermal Paste (Arctic Silver ArcticAlumina)
• Instruction Manual

Copper Base

The MCX6400-V sports a massive 0.5" thick copper base.  The base itself is three inches square, with a slightly raised center plateau that makes contact with the Athlon64's heat spreader.  Although it is not mirror-like, the copper base has a nice finish to it that ensures great contact between it and the CPU.

Aluminum Pins

After removing the MCX6400-V from its nicely packaged box, I was stunned by the number of aluminum pins Swiftech was able to fit on a single three inch square of copper.  405 Aluminum pins are press fitted into the copper base to help whisk heat away from the CPU.  Each pin has been "grooved" to produce the most surface area possible for maximum cooling.  Towards the outside of the heatsink, the pins tend to angle outwards away from the center.  Though this may look like a problem with motherboard capacitors, it was not a problem after all.  More on that later.

Mounting Hardware

Since the MCX6400-V weighs a solid 750 grams (26.4 ounces), 300 grams more than the AMD specification, Swiftech created its own unique mounting system.  By using the stock motherboard back plate supplied with most Athlon64 motherboards, Swiftech was able to use the screw holes to attach the MCX6400-V to the motherboard.  A combination of spacers, springs, washers and screws all work together to ensure that the MCX6400-V isn't going anywhere.  Since most Athlon64 motherboard manufacturers include the back plate with their motherboards, Swiftech does not include a back plate but does offer one for those who have motherboards without supplied back plates.  Swiftech chose not to include a back plate to keep the cost down for the consumer.  Brownie points for Swiftech! 

Fan Mounting

The MCX6400-V comes equipped to accept a standard 80mm fan.  The mounting hardware for the fan is a pressure fit snap rivet that seems to work very well.  Brackets for a 92mm fan are also available but at an additional fee.  According to Swiftech, an 80mm fan actually performs better than a 92mm and is also quieter on the MCX6400-V.